nate33 wrote:The Hawks are an established team who returned their top 6 players from last year, the same coach, and the same system. We came into town with a new coach running a completely different system with only one starter returning from last year's squad. Furthermore, the Hawks were at home and we were missing one of our best players. It was unreasonable to expect a win.
We made a zillion boneheaded mistakes with the basketball and endured horrific shooting from the trio of Stevenson, Young and Foye yet we were still in this thing with 5:00 to go. We're going to be just fine.
That one 6-point swing was a killer. Arenas launched a three that would have cut the lead to five. Arenas had just hit two jumpers and was in a rhythm so it was a good shot. It rimmed out and Atlanta ended up hitting a three at the other end. Next thing you know, we're down 11.
The best takeaway from the game is that Blatche continues to play well. It's not just his numbers (which were only so-so), it's the fact that he played smart basketball. He was in the right spot on D and made the right decisions on offense. He even took a charge at one point but it was ruled a foul because the tip of his heel was in the circle. Still a good play though.
If Blatche continues to play this well, we are going to be an extremely deep team once Jamison gets back.
More positives beyond Blatche:
1. The ball was shared and moved well and before the fouls the team with Oberto and Miller was +7 in the first.
2. Javale really got off at both ends and in many respects played better at C than Haywood.
3. When the bigs got the ball inside ATL was at a disadvantage.
4. When Gil wasn't turning it over, he looked great facing up. His missed three was the end, nate. But, I saw enough of the hibachi to still say he's back.
Other positives: As I post Dallas leads the Lakers in LA 80-66. Same team the Wizards ran is running the Lakers tonight. Season's very early, but it's interesting.
Can't wait til the home opener against the Nets, who lost tonight to the Magic.